When unable to meet others in person, radio can be a good friend.

Listeners tune in to stay up to date with the latest travel changes, and live broadcasts of Nome Common Council meetings mean residents may listen without leaving home.

To keep things active and light while children are home from school, DJs are hosting “on-air dance parties” and sharing stories and poetry.

The KNOM news team documents the unique approach Western Alaskans take to protecting their communities’ elders, keeping school children fed and learning, while remaining physically distant.

Image at top: The altar is empty at Nome’s St. Joseph church as Alaskans practice social distancing. The faithful are able to pray with the radio for the end of the virus.